Read up on Dementia treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Dementia

Key points about treatments

There's no cure for Alzheimer's disease and many other kinds of dementia. But there are several treatments that can help with symptoms such as forgetfulness and confusion. There are also drugs that can help people in the later stages of dementia who become easily upset or aggressive, or who have hallucinations (they see things that aren't there).

Drug treatments are only a part of the care that people with dementia and their families need.

If you're looking after someone with dementia, make sure you get lots of support.

If you're taking care of someone with dementia, there will be times when you feel exhausted, angry or depressed. You will need information about the disease, advice on how to cope and practical support. Make sure you get help, whether from your family, from professionals or from groups that help caregivers.

There are many caregivers' groups that may be able to give you the support you need. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a list of resources for caregivers (see http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/dementia.htm).

The drugs donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine help some people with dementia become less forgetful and confused.
Rivastigmine seems to have more side effects than donepezil or galantamine.
A drug called carbamazepine can help reduce symptoms like getting agitated, acting aggressively, wandering and having hallucinations.
Some older studies found that Ginkgo biloba, a Chinese herbal remedy, might help with forgetfulness and confusion. However, the research is mixed, so it's hard to say whether Ginkgo really helps or not.
Most drugs bring about only slow down how quickly dementia gets worse. They cannot stop dementia from eventually becoming more serious.

This information was last updated on Mar 05, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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